Government House opens its doors to Wellington

GOVERNMENT House opened its doors to Wellington for the first time in four years over the weekend, following the completion of restoration work.

The day brought sunshine and with it droves of the public. An estimated 8000 people attended the open days, some waiting up to an hour and a half to take a look at the building following $44.7 million of repairs.

Kelburn resident Grant Niccoles was awed by the renovations saying, “this is really great stuff, I remember coming here [five years ago] and this is a definitely a marked improvement”.

The renovated building boasts a multitude of gifts from visiting kings, queens and foreign diplomats as well as art from notable NZ artists such as Peter Siddell, Peter McIntyre and Michael Smither (right).

Government House was officially reopened by Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand and Prime Minister John Key on March 24 at a private event attended by 250 invited guests.

The reopening celebrated conservation work which began in October 2008.

Government House will this week host ceremonies for New Years’ Honours recipients where they will receive their medals and insignia.

This will be the first ceremony to be held in the house since September 2008.

An estimated 10,000 people visit Government House every year for events and ceremonies hosted by the Governor-General.